Sugar Congress Focuses on Workers’ Welfare, Industry Growth

The 2024 Joint Sugar Tripartite Council-District Tripartite Council (STC-DTC) Congress held in Bacolod City focused on new approaches to enhance the sugar industry and improve the welfare of sugar workers.

The two-day event brought together millers, planters, sugar worker groups, and stakeholders from 10 sugar-producing regions across the country to discuss policies and best practices.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT (DOLE) Regional Director Atty. Sixto Rodriguez Jr. opened the congress, emphasizing the importance of workers in the industry.

“Republic Act 6982 or the Sugar Amelioration Act is more than just policy but an act of Social Justice na dapat nating iwagayway,” Rodriguez said.

He highlighted the need to prioritize the rights and welfare of sugar workers, urging participants to focus on improving the Social Amelioration Program’s implementing rules and exploring modifications to address current challenges.

“The contributions of every individual here are significant. They have the power to transform not merely policies but the very lives of our vulnerable workers,” Rodriguez added.

Assistant Secretary Amuerfina R. Reyes of the Workers Protection Cluster delivered the keynote address, underscoring the shared responsibility of stakeholders in strengthening the sugar industry.

“Ang ating mga planters, millers, at manggagawa ay may magkakatuwang na papel na ginagampanan sa pagtataguyod ng isang matatag at produktibong industriya ng asukal,” said Reyes, stressing unity and collaboration.

She called for a review of policies under the Social Amelioration Program to ensure they address the challenges faced by sugar workers.

Sugar Regulatory Administration’s Atty. Brando D. Noroña presented a situational analysis of the sugar industry, highlighting key issues and presiding over an open forum with stakeholders.

The Bureau of Workers with Special Concerns (BWSC), led by Director Ahmma Charisma Lobrin-Satumba, organized the congress to provide a platform for stakeholders to propose amendments to the program’s implementing rules and regulations.

The congress underscored the importance of cooperation between millers, planters, and workers to promote a sustainable, equitable, and productive sugar industry.

Stakeholders left the event with renewed commitment to address the needs of sugar workers, ensuring their rights and welfare are at the heart of the industry’s development.